Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, has come under fresh trouble as registered voters in Abak State Constituency have formally initiated a process for his recall over alleged underperformance, breach of trust and statements they claim undermine democratic principles.
The constituents, in a petition addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and routed through the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Uyo, invoked provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other relevant electoral laws to demand the recall of the lawmaker from the State House of Assembly.
The petition, dated February 16, 2026, was received at the INEC office on February 20, 2026, according to the acknowledgement stamp on the document.
Titled “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Rt. Hon. Udeme James Otong, Member Representing Abak State Constituency and Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Constitutional Grounds, Disregard for Democratic Tenets, Underperformance and Breach of Trust,” the petitioners said they were exercising their constitutional right as registered voters to demand accountability.
According to the petitioners, the recall move was prompted mainly by what they described as persistent underperformance and failure by the Speaker to effectively represent the collective interests, welfare and development aspirations of the people of Abak State Constituency.
They alleged that since assuming office in June 2019, Otong had not demonstrated the level of legislative commitment, visibility and constituency engagement expected of a representative entrusted with the mandate of the people.
The constituents also raised concerns over certain public statements allegedly credited to the Speaker, which they described as embarrassing and undemocratic.
Among the allegations cited in the petition were remarks reportedly made by the Speaker that he had “26 House of Assembly tickets in his pocket” ahead of party nominations and primaries, and that he would personally determine how the tickets would be shared among other members.
The petitioners further alleged that Otong had stated that the 2027 general elections would be concluded before 12 noon on election day, a remark they argued undermines the credibility and independence of INEC as the body responsible for conducting elections.
They also accused the Speaker of claiming that he single-handedly negotiated the 26 Assembly tickets with the state governor, an assertion they said could create the impression that candidates for the 2027 elections had already been predetermined ahead of party procedures and INEC guidelines.
The petitioners said such pronouncements were unbecoming of the Speaker, who as the chief lawmaker of the state is expected to uphold democratic principles, due process and the rule of law.
They added that they had lost confidence in his ability to represent them faithfully.
“Representation is founded on trust and accountability, and where that trust has been fundamentally breached, constitutional remedies must be pursued,” the petition stated.
They therefore called on INEC to begin the constitutional and procedural steps required for the recall of Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong and to declare the Abak State Constituency seat vacant if the recall process is successful.
The constituents also urged the electoral body to clarify the propriety of the statements allegedly credited to the Speaker regarding the conduct and timing of the 2027 general elections.
Under Nigerian law, the recall of an elected lawmaker requires the verification of signatures of registered voters in the constituency by INEC, followed by a referendum to determine whether the lawmaker should remain in office or be removed.
